Synthetics chamazulene

The German chamomile essential oil is much favoured by aromatherapists but is quite expensive. A good indication of a genuine German essential oil is its dark blue colour due to the presence of the compound chamazulene. Synthetic chamazulene is sometimes added to the cheaper Moroccan chamomile, which is then sold as German. 

ISO standard 19332 shows character and data for that oil. Adulteration is done mainly by synthetic a-bisabolol, chamazulene, and (ii) pfarnesene. The method developed by Carle et al. (1990) and Carle (1996) using 5 C and 6D isotopes with IRMS is a real tool for naturality assay. 

Ramadan M, Goeters S, Watzer B, Krause E, Lohmann K, Bauer R, Hempel B, Imming P (2006) Chamazulene carboxylic acid and matricin a natural profen and its natural prodrug, identified through similarity to synthetic drug substances. J Nat Prod 69(7) 1041-1045... 

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